Farm Credit Illinois introduced the FreshRoots Directors Cup recognition during the two-day learning and networking FreshRoots Retreat, attended by young and beginning farmers from across FCI’s 60-county territory in Champaign this week.

The $5,000 Directors Cup presented by the FCI Board celebrates young and beginning farmers committed to continuous learning and intentional living for a brighter future for their farm family business and community. Up to four young and beginning farmers will be recognized later this spring.

The Directors Cup award is part of the FreshRoots young and beginning farmers program, which provides lending assistance and learning incentives to farmers up to age 40 or in their first 10 years of farming. Cooperative members applying must be eligible for the FreshRoots program and have been an FCI member-borrower for at least three years.

“The Board of Directors is proud to present the FreshRoots Directors Cup to young and beginning farmers prioritizing personal growth and professional development,” says Eric Mosbey, FCI Board Chair. “We are proud to support today’s newest farmers taking proactive steps to invest in their future.”

“The Directors Cup award is another tangible way FCI is Helping the Next Generation of Farm Families Succeed,” says Tom Tracy FCI President & CEO.

An online application is available at www.farmcreditIL.com/freshroots and must be submitted by March 31. Contact your local FCI office for additional information.

Pictured above: Nearly 60 young and beginning farmers participated in the FreshRoots Retreat, featuring Dr. David Kohl, Virginia Tech professor emeritus.

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 About Farm Credit Illinois

 Farm Credit Illinois is a farmer owned and directed agricultural lending cooperative serving 11,000 farm families, agribusinesses, and rural landowners in the southern 60 counties of Illinois with competitive and flexible financing and crop insurance expertise. The Association manages a $4.4 billion loan portfolio, sells 1.2 million acres of crop insurance coverage, and employs 220 staff based in the Mahomet central office and 14 regional office locations. The U.S. Farm Credit System supports rural communities, farm families, and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services today and tomorrow.